Doogie
Yes and 160 k/h is rapid. Certainly faster than cars even with an increased speed limit of 110 k/h on the new roads.

There is no single standard that applies worldwide as to how you label different speeds for trains.

A reasonable rule of thumb would have High Speed as over 200 k/h and Very High Speed (ie Bullet Trains) as over 300 k/h.

So now we have established a reasonable framework we can discuss the proposition without getting in to the realms of the unreasonable and avoid trying to discredit a policy that isn’t the actual policy.

Doogie
On what basis do you think that 160 k/h couldn’t be maintained for most of the journey when it can be overseas?

Remember that the proposal is to improve the lines, the crossings and the stations.

Bear in mind the electric trains on the Wellington commuter network operate at 100 k/h and the Auckland electric trains can reach 110 k/h.

Also consider in the UK the InterCity 225 has a top service speed of 225 k/h. However, except on High Speed 1 track, which is equipped with cab signalling, British signalling does not allow trains to exceed 201 k/h in regular service, due to the impracticality of correctly observing lineside signals at high speed.

If the British trains can operate at 200 k/h why can’t we operate at 160 k/h?

“”Up to 160 KPH is 160 KPH when you get there. Don’t forget it is I that is saying that speed will not be possible for most of the trip if at all.””

Near spot-on ole horse….

Until such time as the hierarchy can get their ‘swedes’ around these small facts then 160 K on anything other than the odd blast on the right section of track is pie-in-the-sky….

1. The ‘right-of-way’ must be absolutely hard and solid, not constructed through wetlands/swamps similar to, and what happens today through the Whangamarino swamp south of Pokeno for many, many miles.
2. The ‘right-of-way to be near flat, level, and de-curved with what curvatures there are to be capable of handling long passenger expresses @ 160KPH.
3. The track gauge to be increased from 3’6″ to 4’8 and 1/2″ or their metric equivalent. The same must apply to the rail weight.
4. The ‘right-of-way’ to Rotorua has been moth-balled for donkeys years and will need to be rebuilt completely….and to climb then to descend the Kaimai’s @ 160K….pigs ‘will’ fly and die.
5. Then the hierarchy have to generate the passengers to do the travelling on a consistent basis to warrant the hundreds, possibly into the billions of dollars that will be necessary to get it up and running….It’s all been tried before!!!!

If that was a success, Labour would consider investing in stages two and three of the plan, which would delivery passenger and freight services travelling up to 160km/h throughout the region,s, and south to Rotorua, she said.